Eskom declares power emergency

Unexpected problems at Eskom Power Stations have caused the electricity supply to be severely constrained

Eskom said in a statement it “is now following the protocol in terms of its emergency procedures in order to secure the power system.” It has alerted its key industrial customers and instructed them to reduce their power usage by 10%.

“While we will make every effort to avoid load shedding, we are hopeful that by applying these measures we will achieve the required load reduction necessary to protect the national grid.”

Save Electricity, Swicth Off

Eskom called on South Africans to urgently switch off all non-essential appliances from 5pm to 9pm. “As workers leave office buildings this evening we ask that they please switch off lights with the exception of the security lighting.”

It said the load shedding schedules are published as a “precautionary measure” and apply to its direct customers. The Eskom call centre can provide extra information at 0860 037 566.

If load shedding becomes necessary, it will only last while the supply is constrained, most probably between 17h00 and 21h00